Carr Adds Big Name Manager to Congressional Campaign

Chip Saltsman was elected chair of the Tennessee Republican Party in 1998.

State Rep. Joe Carr has signed on a high profile campaign manager in his bid to unseat Republican Congressman Scott DesJarlais. The primary race is heating up more than a year out from Election Day.

Chip Saltsman is a guy Republicans want on their team. He led Mike Huckabee’s run for president. He’s worked on the campaigns of both of Tennessee’s senators and most recently helped put Chattanooga’s congressman in office.

Carr says Saltsman brings “firepower and experience” to the campaign.

In terms of money, Carr has been out-raised nearly two-to-one by the other primary challenger – state Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville. Tracy has yet to announce a campaign manager and says he is running “lean” at the moment.

Both Republicans are challenging Scott DesJarlais, who has been plagued with personal troubles revolving around a messy divorce.